Getting into the Rhythm of Reading
St. Michael Parish School is pleased to announce that it will be partnering with Anderson’s Bookfair Company, affiliated with Anderson’s Bookshop’s in Naperville and Downers Grove, for their 2011 fair. This year’s theme for the St. Michael Parish School Book Fair is Marching to the Beat of the Book Fair.
The Wheaton school’s annual Book Fair will take place from Monday, October 17 – Sunday October 23, from 8:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. During this event St. Michael’s Parish Center will be transformed into a vibrant book store.
Students will have time during the school day to browse a wide variety of selections with their classmates. Over the weekend, parish families, parents and grandparents are invited to attend the fair.
The St. Michael Parish School Book Fair is located at 314 W. Willow St., Wheaton, Ill., in the Parish Center (on
the lower level of the building).
Coffee Talk
St. Michael Parish School Welcomes Parents at Principal’s Open Coffee
This Wednesday, September 21, St. Michael Parish School will host its first Principal’s Open Coffee of the 2011-2012 School year.
Past event coordinator, Laura Gnorski says, “Open Coffees are a great opportunity to learn more about your child’s education at St. Michael Parish School. Tailor-made to touch on issues specific to your child’s grade, they also serve as a forum to talk with other parents and our administration.”
The Principal’s Open Coffee program begins this September with a presentation and discussion on transitioning into middle school for parents of fifth and sixth grade students.
Tips for getting the most out the Principal’s Open Coffee:
- Coordinator, Jill Green says, “Try to attend as many Principal’s Open Coffee programs as possible. Attending coffees outside of your child’s grade level can be beneficial. For example, if your child is currently in 2nd grade, attend the 3rd grade coffee. Knowing what is academically and socially down-the-road gives parents clarity to their child’s educational path at St. Michael School
- Prepare any questions you might have related to the topic. Share any knowledge you might have about the topic
- Have a cup of coffee (hey, it saves you $2.00!)
- Recognize which parents may have similar concerns or face similar challenges as you. It is an opportunity to give and receive support and advice from your St. Michael Parish School family.
Principal’s Open Coffees follow the 8:00 a.m. All-School Masses, which are open to all.
TribLocal: Ten Years Later, Students Remeber 9/11
Ellery Fahey and Nick Armbrust, fifth grade, listen to teacher, Lisa Los' 9/11 presentation.
The anniversary of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, offers a time to remember, to reflect about this unforgettable moment in history, and to reconsider the effect that September 11 has had on our country and the world. To honor the anniversary of the day that changed America, St. Michael Parish School in Wheaton dedicated Friday, September 9 and Monday, September 12 to education and prayerful reflection. Friday’s activities were concluded with an all-school prayer service.
Seventh and eighth grade students were shown the Chicago Tribune program, Attack on America. Following the presentation, teacher, Lora Vires led a discussion about the tragedies of September 11, 2001.
The seventh graders, who were toddlers at the time, reacted with concern and curiosity about the terrorist assault.
Students’ concerns centered around the possibility of another terrorist attack and how this attack had happened.
“How did it happen? How could they (the terrorists) take over the planes?” asked one student, having only known a post-9/11 world.
In fifth and sixth grade classrooms, students read a story from their scholastic readers about a girl who was eleven and lived in New York, near Ground Zero. Fifth Grade teacher, Lisa Los, also read from a book of poems written by seventh and eighth grade SMPS students in the days following September 11, 2001.
As she read the Scholastic Reader story, I was Eleven on 9/11. Los’ voice cracked. Students stirred, visibly affected by their teacher’s reaction to the lesson.
Los asked students to imagine how the people in New York, near Ground Zero, felt that day.
“Scared,”
“Shocked,”
“Panicked,”
“Terrified,” the students responded.
Like the seventh grade students, the fifth graders responded with concern about how and why the events of 9/11 had happened.
Before concluding her lesson, Los mentioned to her students that they might see a program over the weekend about September 11. She cautioned them to get their parents’ permission before watching it and to watch it with an adult.
When asked why, Los responded, “Because it is graphic and would be inappropriate. It’s hard for me, as an adult to know what these people went through. But, it is going to be on TV and it NEEDS to be. We need to remember these people: the people on the planes, the fire-fighters, police officers and EMT’s, even the civilians that became saints that day by helping others. We need to remember the families, the loved ones, the children who witnessed this; children whose parents died. We need to remember this event. During our prayer service, I ask you to remember these people. I ask you to also pray for our enemies. Pray for them. That they get rid of the hatred in their hearts and find the love that God has given them and that they can stop hurting people. They are the ones who need prayers.”
Seventh grade teacher, Lora Vires discusses 9/11
Lance the Lancer Rides the Bus
Each day, I, Lance the Lancer, watch as bright yellow school buses line Wheaton Ave, chariots awaiting the young scholars of St. Michael Parish School. As I watch the faces of students boarding these brightly colored vehicles, I can’t help but notice that the majority of these students look happy and excited.
As I had last attended school in the late Middle Ages, I was intrigued by the joy that seemed to surround this means of communal transportation. I decided to go undercover for myself what all the excitement was about.
On Thursday, August 29, I stood in the center of St. Michael’s Mauve Hall, waiting for the dismissal bell. If you are not someone who scares easily, has a heart condition or is an expectant mother, I highly recommend this exhilarating experiment.
When I heard the announcement, “Bus riders, you’re dismissed,” I began to walk toward the door. I soon realized that part of the reason for the students flushed faces and ear-to-ear grins were no doubt the due to the endorphin rush they get heading for the bus. Students do not run. That would be unsafe. They walk quickly, many carrying heavy back packs.
I boarded the bus. My favorite part of the trip was waving to cars lucky enough to be stopped behind the bus at stop lights.
I also made a few new friends. Here were their favorite parts of the trip:
Michael and Evan, Kindergarten Michael: “I sit by Evan.” Evan: “Sitting by Michael”
Lily, Kindergarten “Sitting down and talking with my friends.”
Megan, Eighth Grade “It gets you home faster.”
Andrew, Michael and Matthew, Eighth Grade Andrew: “ Riding home on the bus is very exciting because I get to express my views with my friends. Michael: “It’s fun and a fast way to get home. Matthew: “I like to talk with my buddies on the bus.”
School Bus Safety Tips from Lance
Waiting for the Bus
- Be on time
- Stand away from the curbs
- No horseplay
Riding the Bus
- Respect the driver
- Stay seated
- Use low voices
- Don’t stick things out the windows (especially heads, hands, arms and any other body parts that may fit out a school bus window)
- Never stand or play in the aisle
Getting On and Off the Bus
- Avoid the danger zones
- Always cross at least 10 ft. in front of the bus
- Look both ways before crossing the street
- Make eye contact with the driver
- Wait for the driver’s signal before crossing
- Never bend down near or under the bus
Always Remember To:
- Be on time
- Obey the driver
- Stay away from the danger zone
Have a safe and fun bus ride, Lancers!
Please read this story from Patch.com about an enourmously heroic SMPS alumnus, Rob Miller:
What are the Lancers Excited about in 2011-2012
The 2011-2012 school year is upon us! We asked St. Michael Parish students and parents what they were most excited about for the new year. Here’s what they said:
“I’m excited to be co-chairing the Parent Org.’s auction this year. We have moved it to February, around Valentine’s Day, hence the theme, ‘Paris, the City of Love.’ With the SMPS auction, that includes love for our children, love of progress and love of our school.” – Kristen McGrath (Above Left)
“I’m excited because I’ve heard about all the new families coming into the school this year. It is wonderful to see so many parents choosing a Catholic education for their children.” – Denise Field (Above Right)
“Getting the kids back into a structured schedule. And, getting up at 6:15 in the morning again. (Editor’s Note: Lance the Lancer detected a hint of sarcasm.) – Eileen Pearse
“This is an exciting year for our family. We are celebrating my son Peter’s last year at St. Mike’s and then we get to start the journey all over again next year with Marie.” – Laura Fassnacht
“Crafts.” – Ellie
“Recess and Crafts” – Caroline
“I’m just bored with summer.” - Elise
“Staying for lunch.” - Will
“Gym & Art.” – Alex
Good luck to all Lancers (students, parents and teachers) in the 2011-2012 school year!
Uniform Fashion Sense
While we at SMPS Press realize that “Uniform Fashion Sense” may be an oxymoron, first impressions do make a difference. Being aware of the “Do’s” and “Don’ts” of the St. Michael Parish School Uniform Code will help get your little Lancer off to a great start with his new teacher!
St. Michael Parish School Uniform “Do’s”
Kindergarten – Fourth Grade Boys
- Light Blue Logo Uniform Polo (tucked in)
- Navy Blue Uniform Pants
- SMPS Sweater (may be worn in cold weather)
Kindergarten – Fourth Grade Girls
- Light Blue Uniform Blouse
- Uniform Jumper (or twill pants)
- Solid White Socks (or solid blue socks)
Fifth – Eighth Grade Boys
- White Logo Uniform Polo (tucked in)
- Khaki Uniform Pants
- Black or Brown Belt
Fifth – Eighth Grade Girls
- White Uniform Blouse or White Oxford Shirt
- Plaid Skirt
- Navy Blue Sweater Vest
- Solid White Knee Socks
St. Michael Parish School Uniform “Don’ts”
All Boys
- Hair Longer than Shirt Collar
- Wearing an Earring
Kindergarten – Fourth Grade Boys
- Colored Tee Showing Under Uniform Polo
- Baseball Hat
- Non-Prescription Glasses
- Sandals or Crocs
- Non-Uniform Pants
Kindergarten – Fourth Grade Girls
- Hat
- Sunglasses
- Ostentatious Jewlery
- Non-Uniform Shirt
- Belt
- Leggings
- Pink Socks
- Sandals
Fifth – Eighth Grade Girls
- Large or Distracting Hair Accessories
- Non-Prescription Glasses
- Scarf
- Ostentatious Jewlery
- Boots
- Make-up
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